15 Audio
From the Archives [mp3]The CBZ presents another classic boxing-themed radio
show. This month we have the Thin Man in "The Passionate Palooka," from July 6,
1948

"Gilroy Was Here"by Jim Glen and Ian Macfarlane

Book review by Mike DeLisa

Bert Gilroy was perhaps one of the unluckiest boxers of the first half of the last
century. In 1939, just as he was approaching his peak, the Scottish boxer, like so many
other fighting men of his era, was called to war.

One unfortunate circumstance is that Gilroy, besides being deprived of his opportunity at
a world title, is that his entire career seems to have been obliterated and forgotten.
Luckily, a recent book, Gilroy Was Here corrects that unfortunate loss.

Gilroy Was Here, which was written by Gilroy's grandson and Ian Macfarlane, is a
tremendous look into the world of pre- and postwar British boxing. Some of the internecine
political squabbles were tougher than the battles in the ring, but through it all, Gilroy
remained a dedicated, talented performer.

Gilroy, born in Airdrie, Scotland, in 1918 to parents of Italian ethnicity, began boxing
at age 15, in 1933. In addition to the sanctioned bouts of the day, Gilroy fought many
unsanctioned bouts as well as an estimated 300 "booth" bouts, meeting all comers. In 1938,
just 20 years old, Gilroy annexed the Scottish middleweight championship by whipping Tommy
Smith over 15 rounds. After beating tough "Ginger" Saad, Gilroy was matched with the
"Rochdale Thunderbolt" Jock McAvoy.

Unfortunately, a serious illness prevented Gilroy from meeting McAvoy -- indeed many
thought his career was over. The authors do an excellent job of tracing Gilroy's career
during these desperate times. Gilroy's comeback starting in 1941 was a marvel, and his
bouts are fairly described.

The authors also go into detail as to how Gilroy was treated by the British Board of
Boxing Control, which allowed other British fighters to duck Gilroy. Gilroy Was
Here is an excellent look at an unfairly overlooked fighter, and is highly recommended
by the Cyber Boxing Zone.